Air flow sensor worries with new cold air intake

dudleykid · July 20, 2015

I am purchasing a new K&N cold air intake kit for my truck to primarily try to improve gas mileage (extra power always a plus too). I plan to get the K&N Performance Intake kit with the polyethylene tube shown here:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/k-n-performance-intake-kit-57-3031-1/17401676-P?searchTerm=intake

K&N seems pretty reputable. I also read the polyethylene tube is better than a aluminum chrome tube since the aluminum can heat up from the heat of the engine and decrease the performance of the cool air intake. My question is do I need to buy a different air flow sensor for my new intake kit or will the computer in my truck calibrate/account for the new intake? I also plan to clean the air flow sensor with air flow sensor cleaner during the process. Thanks! Any tips on any of these topics appreciated!

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · July 20, 2015

The computer will adjust for it. But, don't expect any MPGs. The K&N intake kit on my '98 dropped the MPGs by a couple. So far I haven't seen a drop in MPGs with my Airiad MIT tube, but that's because I still have the factory filter and filter box and just replaced the intake box between the MAF sensor and throttle body for a tube. The K&N filter will let more air in which means the computer will send more fuel to adjust. Oh and the HP increase is nothing. The 10 HP or whatever that they say is at a cold startup and cold run. Once the engine bay gets up to operating temp (which doesn't take long at all) then you'll only get about a 2 HP gain. The K&N kit did make the throttle response better in my '98, but that's about it.

davester · July 20, 2015

I am purchasing a new K&N cold air intake kit for my truck to primarily try to improve gas mileage (extra power always a plus too). I plan to get the K&N Performance Intake kit with the polyethylene tube shown here:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/k-n-performance-intake-kit-57-3031-1/17401676-P?searchTerm=intake

K&N seems pretty reputable. I also read the polyethylene tube is better than a aluminum chrome tube since the aluminum can heat up from the heat of the engine and decrease the performance of the cool air intake. My question is do I need to buy a different air flow sensor for my new intake kit or will the computer in my truck calibrate/account for the new intake? I also plan to clean the air flow sensor with air flow sensor cleaner during the process. Thanks! Any tips on any of these topics appreciated!

K&N advertises a lot.

Poly tube heats up just as much as an aluminum tube, as they are both in the same environment. I suppose the poly tube MIGHT be slightly better as it probably will be thicker, so it might transfer heat a little slower between the outside and the inside surfaces.

Use MAF sensor cleaner on the MAF sensor, not WD40 or anything else, and be careful not to damage any of the fine sensor wires in it.